News Release

For immediate release 
April 22, 2003

Government of Canada Helps Local Museum with Expansion

Glace Bay, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced funding today for the expansion of the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum in Glace Bay, N.S.

The Cape Breton Miners’ Foundation has received assistance to implement Phase 1 of the Miners’ Museum expansion project that includes land and building improvements as well as lighting and audio enhancements to the Men of the Deeps theatre. Additional marketing activities will be implemented including an improved website. Phase 1 sets the stage for a long-term fundraising, planning and construction process at the Museum. 

“Coal mining has had a great impact on the economy and culture of 
Cape Breton Island, and for almost 40 years, the Cape Breton Miners’ Foundation has effectively interpreted this important part of our heritage,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of 
Minister Byrne. “The Museum also contributes to the economy, and the improvements announced today will further stimulate tourism expenditures, commercial investment and job creation.”

“The expansion project at the Miners’ Museum will mean an increase in visitors,” says Gus MacMullin, chairperson of the museum redevelopment project. “The museum experience gives people the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of coal here in Cape Breton.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $1,388,890. The Government of Canada, through ECBC, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $750,000 and a further $500,000 (non-repayable) through ACOA’s Business Development Program. 

The Cape Breton Miners’ Foundation was established in 1964 and currently owns and operates the Glace Bay Miners’ Museum, a gift shop, restaurant and the Miners’ Village. The Museum was constructed in 1967 as a tribute to the thousands of coal miners who toiled the Cape Breton coalfields. As well as containing mining artifacts and descriptions of the geological processes of the coalfields, the operation includes an underground mine and a 150-seat theatre that is the home venue of the Men of the Deeps Chorus. The Museum attracts approximately 22,000 visitors each year.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan 
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne 
Minister of State 
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Bras d’Or –Cape Breton
Tel: (902) 842-9763 

D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-3617

Mr. Tom Miller
Director, Cape Breton Miners’ Foundation
Tel: (902) 849-4522